They had to sit patiently while more than two dozen trophies and other awards were handed out, but the wait was worth it for Mason Martin Homes, Bowood Homes and Homestead Custom Carpentry.

The trio claimed the top three prizes at the Canadian Home Builders’ Association — Central Alberta 2012 Awards of Excellence in Housing and President’s Gala on Saturday evening.

Mason Martin was named Builder of the Year for large volume companies, Bowood won the same award among small-volume builders, and Homestead earned honours as Renovator of the Year.

“That’s awesome,” said Mason Martin president Hugh MacBeth while accepting the award. “We weren’t expecting this. There are a lot of great builders in our category.”

Bowood president Boman Husted credited his company’s clients for giving it the opportunity to build great projects — a theme echoed by Homestead president Jon Weddell.

“It really comes down to getting some good clients, and also some great subtrades and great suppliers, that help us put together some projects that look that good and can earn something like this.”

In fact, all three companies acknowledged the importance of their trades and suppliers in achieving the success they have, with Husted also stressing the contributions of staff.

“I think to win something like this, it takes everybody to be involved; everybody’s a key player to it.”

The other finalists for Builder of the Year were Abbey Master Builder, Falcon Homes, Laebon Homes, Sorento Custom Homes Ltd. and True-Line Contracting in the large-volume category, while Colbray Homes, Havan Built Homes Ltd., Larkaun Homes Ltd., McGonigal Signature Homes and Platinum Homes were in the running among small-volume builders. Competing against Homestead for Renovator of the Year were Bowood Homes, Sorento Custom Homes and True-Line Contracting.

In addition to being named a Builder of the Year, Bowood took home the trophies for Best New Estate Home in both the $750,000-to-$999,999 and over-$1.5 million categories. Homestead, meanwhile, swept the renovation awards, claiming the trophies for Best Renovation up to $99,000 and Best Renovation over $100,000.

Other multiple award winners were Falcon Homes (Best New Home up to $224,999, Best New Home $425,000 to $549,999 and Excellence in Interior Design), True-Line Homes (Best New Home $260,000 to $299,999 and Best New Home $350,000 to $424,999) and Laebon Homes (Best New Home $225,000 to $259,999 and Safety Leadership Award).

Dan Ouwehand, who concluded his term as president of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association — Central Alberta, presented three individual awards.

He named Kevin Wilkie of True-Line Homes the CHBA — CA’s Rookie of the Year for his commitment and dedication to the association. Laurie Chapman of Servus Credit Union received the Gus Bakke Award for outstanding leadership, dedication and continued service, while Trail Appliances’ Lisa Buckingham — the association’s incoming president — was declared Member of Year for her significant contributions to the organization.

Ouwehand said the CHBA — CA board had two objectives during the past year: to increase the association’s presence in the community and to increase its value for members. Resulting initiatives have included the creation of a membership services committee, planning a business expo with industry-related seminars, organizing a builder breakfast series where construction-related best practices are discussed, and fostering positive relationships with municipal government.

The complete list of 2012 Awards of Excellence in Housing winners is as follows:

• Best New Home (single family) up to $224,999: Falcon Homes;

• Best New Home $225,000 to $259,999: Laebon Homes;

• Best New Home $260,000 to $299,999: True-Line Homes;

• Best New Home $300,000 to $349,999: Larkaun Homes Ltd.;

• Best New Home $350,000 to $424,999: True-Line Homes;

• Best New Home $425,000 to $549,999: Falcon Homes;

• Best New Home $550,000 to $749,999: Platinum Homes;

• Best New Estate Home $750,000 to $999,999: Bowood Homes;

• Best New Estate Home over $1,500,000: Bowood Homes;

• Best New Multi Family Home — Apartment Style under $199,999: Sorento Custom Homes Ltd.;

• Best New Multi Family Home — Town House/Duplex Style under $199,999: Abbey Master Builder;

• Best New Multi Family Home — Town House/Duplex Style over $199,999: Colbray Homes;